DE102015213358A1 - Feeding device for coating material - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for supplying a coating material to a coating device, which coating device is provided in particular for coating a narrow side of a plate-shaped workpiece. Such plate-shaped workpieces can be, for example, furniture panels, kitchen worktops, etc. or concern elements from the field of the component industry.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a device for supplying a coating material to a coating device, which coating device is provided in particular for coating a narrow side of a plate-shaped workpiece. Such plate-shaped workpieces can be, for example, furniture panels, kitchen worktops, etc. or concern elements from the field of the component industry.

State of the art

As state of the art is the EP 2 253 440 A2 which relates to a feeding device for feeding a coating material to a workpiece coating machine. The supply device comprises at least one guide device for guiding a coating material, at least one conveying device for conveying the coating material and at least one retaining device for retaining the coating material in at least one direction. In addition, at least one conveyor element of the conveyor is provided in an inlet region of the guide device.

Furthermore, an identification device for resource management of meterware according to EP 1 862 949 A2 known. The cited document relates in particular to a cassette for accommodating roll-form edge material for use on continuous, stationary or similar machines, comprising a housing for holding the edge material present in roll form.

However, especially in recent times ever higher demands are placed on the resource management, in the course of which the non-productive times are kept as low as possible and the material required for a specific processing step should be made available at the right time in the required quantity.

Subject of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for supplying a coating material, in particular an edgeband, with which the non-productive times can be shortened and the coating material can be handled simultaneously.

The subject-matter of claim 1 provides such a device. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims, and will be specified in the following description.

One idea of the present invention is to structure the provision of the coating material in a novel way, by uniting units for coating material, which are for example provided in cassettes, in a modular manner.

Furthermore, it is an idea of the invention, which may also be considered independent of the aforementioned aspect, to redesign the supply for the coating material so that the operator merely inserts the coating material into an actuator, which is relatively close to the coupling portion, which further conveys the coating material transported.

By using the module unit or module units, which in turn receive the coating material units, it is possible to couple coating materials in groups in the region of the coupling section. Thus, the module unit can be pre-loaded by an operator of an edge-mounting device, and the operator then changes a module unit with a plurality of, preferably different, coating materials as needed. During the change, coating materials may continue to be available through a further module unit in the region of the coupling region, so that operation of the edge attachment device does not have to be interrupted.

Furthermore, it is possible to pre-assemble coating materials in advance in order to incorporate the various coating materials as needed into a production process.

A cassette for receiving a coating material comprises, for example, a box-shaped housing. Within the box-shaped casing, a coil of the coating material (coating material unit) is received on a winding core fixed in the center of the box-shaped casing.

To further illustrate a cassette, which can be loaded, for example, in a modular unit according to the present invention is on the EP 1 862 949 A2 referenced, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Such a cassette can be provided with or without an identification device, for example an RFID chip.

According to a preferred embodiment, each module unit is adapted to receive cassettes, each cassette having a Coating unit receives. Thus, the coating material units are protected from external effects, and can be easily handled in a module unit. Alternatively or simultaneously, it is possible for the coating material units without cassette to be accommodated in a modular unit.

Furthermore, at least one of the module units can have a screening to accommodate cassettes of a certain width. Thus, a particular module unit may be characteristic of a particular type of coating material unit.

The term "screening" in this context means, for example, a plurality of slide rails or slide-in guides.

An insertion rail of the modular unit can thus penetrate into a corresponding recess of a cassette for receiving a coating material unit, and align the cartridge when inserted into the housing of the receiving device and lead.

An insertion guide can be formed, for example, by a recess or two mutually parallel strips into which a projection of a cassette with a coating material unit penetrates.

As an alternative to the above-mentioned screening, at least one of the module units can have a variable insertion in order to accommodate cassettes of different widths. In this case, cassettes with coating material units possibly support each other against inner sides of the housing of the module unit. In this way, the flexibility in using a particular module unit can be further increased.

According to another embodiment, the module unit may also be provided to receive coating material units without a cassette.

In one embodiment, the feed section has a deflection roller in the region of the coupling section in order to guide a coating material of a coating material unit from an operating side of the feed section / coupling section to a machine side of the receiving device. This structure facilitates the handling of the coating material.

Such a deflection roller is particularly preferred when the coating material is moved at high speed. In this way, the dynamics can be compensated by the guide roller.

In particular, in the case of low speeds of movement of the coating material, the guide roller can also be omitted according to an alternative modification of the present invention.

According to one embodiment, the coupling section has an electrical interface in order to electrically couple the module unit to the feed section. The coupling can be used for energy and / or data transmission. Thus, for example, a display present on the module unit can be supplied with energy. Furthermore, a memory unit present on the module unit can be read out so that the feed section receives information regarding the coating materials located in the module unit. Also, a controller located on the module unit can be operated. According to a further variant, it is possible to operate a motor provided in the module unit in order to move a coating material or to release a motor-driven locking of the module unit at the coupling section.

According to a further embodiment, the coupling section comprises a connection region in order to couple the modular unit hydraulically, pneumatically or mechanically to the supply section. In this way, for example, be transferred from the coupling section energy to the module unit. The transmitted energy can be used in the module unit, for example, to bring about a movement of the coating material. Another possibility is to release the coupling of the module unit from the coupling section, for example to open a lock.

In a further embodiment, the module unit is provided with an interface which is provided for wireless data transmission. Accordingly, a corresponding transmitting and / or receiving unit is provided in the coupling region. Thus, when loading the module unit information can be transmitted, whereby the intended use of the module unit already scheduled in a work cycle and / or incorrect feeding of the module unit can be detected early.

In a further embodiment, the feed section has a plurality of feed guides, wherein a separately controllable actuator is provided at an inlet region of each feed guide. In this way, the introduction or threading of the coating material can be facilitated in the feed.

According to another embodiment, an deliverable actuator is provided, which can be moved to a respective feed. For example, the actuator along a preferably horizontally oriented rail, in vertical Direction above the feeders is provided to be moved. If another coating material is to be moved through the actuator, the actuator can be delivered / moved into the region of the guide receiving this coating material.

In the case of a deliverable actuator, this embodiment is not limited to a single actuator. Rather, in each case one actuator can be provided for a specific area of the multiplicity of feeds.

It is particularly preferred that a deliverable actuator is provided for a number of feeds corresponding to the number of coating materials supplied by a module unit. In this case, the number of actuators thus depends on the number of couplable module units.

The delivery or movement of the actuator or the actuators can be done by means of a setting wheel or a drive shaft.

For example, the actuator is provided with a roller-shaped driving means, or the at least one actuator is designed as a linear actuator. It is also possible to provide a loading unit, in particular a (multiaxial) robot arm with a gripping unit, with which one end of a coating material can be received. In this way, the handling, for example. The insertion of the coating material can be implemented quickly and safely by.

In one embodiment, the coupling section comprises a frame which encloses the coupled module unit in sections. In a housing-like Ankoppelabschnitt a module unit would be protected from external influences.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the coupling section has a latching receptacle, for example an opening, with which a latching element of a modular unit can be brought into engagement. Thus, the module unit is securely locked on Ankoppelabschnitt. The latching receptacle can be, for example, a depression in the floor or in a wall section. The latching element is, for example, a pin or a wheel of the modular unit. Furthermore, the latch can penetrate into the Einrastaufnahme, or vice versa.

In a further embodiment, the module unit is provided with rollers in order to be able to move the module unit. In this way, the workflow can be significantly simplified. In this case, the module unit can be moved freely.

According to an alternative embodiment, a rail or a plurality of rails is or are provided on the ground in which the module unit is guided. Thus, the module unit can be safely and selectively moved from a loading location to Ankoppelabschnitt.

Further, the present invention relates to a use of the aforementioned means for supplying a coating material and a method for supplying a coating material using an aforementioned means.

The method comprises the steps of loading a module unit with at least one coating material unit, moving the module unit to the coupling section and coupling the module unit to the feed section. Subsequently, the coating material can be supplied to the feed section.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a coating device for attaching a coating material to a preferably plate-shaped workpiece (W), with a device mentioned above.

The coating device may comprise a conveying means for moving the workpieces. Alternatively, the coating device has a support table or clamping elements, for example gripping elements or vacuum clamps, in order to hold one or more workpieces.

Brief description of the drawings

1 Fig. 10 is a schematic view showing an edge mounting device with an embodiment of the pickup device according to the present invention.

2 FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an edge mounting device according to a first modification. FIG.

3 is a schematic side view showing the insertion of an edge band in an actuator for moving the edge band is shown.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other modifications mentioned in this context can each be combined individually to form new embodiments.

In the 1 illustrated edge attachment device comprises a pinch roller 10 as well as several forcing rollers 11 , by which an edge band K (meterware or coating material) is pressed against a narrow surface of a plate-shaped workpiece W. The aforementioned edge band K may be coextruded edges or an edge band which is or will be provided with an adhesive. Here, the edge band K may be pre-coated with the adhesive, or the edge band K is provided with adhesive just before pressing the edge band K to a narrow surface of a workpiece W.

Adjacent to the edge attaching device is a feeding section 20 provided in 1 is shown only schematically. In feed guides 22 of the feed section 20 edge bands K can be introduced manually, semi-automatically or fully automatically and kept ready for attachment to a workpiece W. For this purpose, the feed section 20 a variety of actuators 21 on, which in the inlet region of the feed guides 22 of the feed section 20 are provided.

The actors 21 may have rotating propellant or include so-called linear units. After the actuators in the inlet area of the Zuführabschnitts 20 and thus close to a coupling region 30 are provided, a threading of the edge bands K can be easily and quickly performed.

After the edge bands K by means of the actuators 21 taken and by the feed guides 22 were guided, they get into each feed channels of the magazine unit 25 , The magazine unit 25 is configured such that in the feed channels in each case an edge band K can be buffered in a tailored form and thus held for attachment to a workpiece W.

The large number of feed channels runs on a magazine unit 25 too close to the pinch roller 25 located. In this area, an edge band K passes from the respective feed channel into the section in which an adhesive is applied or an adhesive already present on the edge band K is activated by means of a power source, and subsequently by means of the pressure roller 11 on a narrow side of a workpiece W is pressed.

Said energy source can be selected from a laser, a hot air source or a gassing source, an infrared source, an ultrasonic source, a magnetic field source, a microwave source or a plasma source.

Furthermore, the coupling area 30 adjacent to the lead-in area of the feed section 20 intended. The coupling area 30 is set up, individual module units 40 . 41 . 42 so that they are on the feeder section 20 can be coupled. Each module unit is provided for receiving a plurality of edge bands K, wherein the edge bands K are preferably received in individual cassettes.

The modular units 40 . 41 . 42 In this case, they can have a fixed screening for certain cassettes of edge bands, so that only cassettes of a certain width can be loaded into a specific module unit. Thus, a particular module unit may be characteristic of a particular type of edge band.

Alternatively, it is possible that the module units 40 . 41 . 42 are formed without screening, and thus can accommodate different cassettes and thus edge bands of different widths. In this way, the flexibility in using a particular module unit can be further increased. It is also possible to use the modular units for different tasks, wherein, for example, in a first case, cassettes with edge bands having a first width and in another case cassettes with edge bands having a second width are used.

Due to the modular units 40 . 41 . 42 can a variety of edge bands K in each module unit 40 . 41 . 42 be charged, and below the respective module unit 40 . 41 . 42 in the store 30 be changed. Thus, it is possible to exchange edge bands K in groups, thus preparing the edge applicator for a new working layer. The operator therefore does not have to insert individual cassettes into a store adjacent to the feed section.

Such an exchange of individual cassettes in the region of the Ankoppelabschnitts would be possible. However, the module units are 40 - 42 designed as movable weighing. Thus, the car can be charged at a location other than the Ankoppelabschnitt and subsequently moved to Ankoppelabschnitt. The coupling ensures that the edge bands are correctly positioned for insertion into the feed section.

In 3 schematically the insertion of an edge band K in an actuator 21 of the feed section 20 shown. Such insertion or threading of the edge band K is required if one of the module units 40 . 41 . 42 is exchanged with several edge bands. An alignment and possibly fixing a module unit is done by a latching element 40a this module unit in one Einrastaufnahme 37 of the coupling section 30 is introduced.

In this case, the edge band K, which is accommodated in a cassette in the respective module unit, protrudes from the memory 30 and, during manual threading, can be picked up by a worker and around a guide roller 35 located in an upper corner of the store 30 is intended to be performed. The pulley 35 is about a joint 36 opposite a horizontal axis 36a pivotable.

Starting from the guide roller 35 the edge band K is at the top of the memory 30 moved along and into an actor 21 inserted. The actor 21 grips the edge band K, and can this in the feed section 20 , or a respective feed guide 22 and subsequently a corresponding feed channel 26 move.

After the actor 21 on one of the deflection roller 35 opposite end portion of the memory 30 is arranged, and the actuator 21 the conveyance of the edge band K takes over, a threading and thus a commissioning can be carried out quickly.

In a further modification of the present invention, the threading of the edge band K can also be carried out by a robot arm as an example of a loading unit, for example on the feeding section 20 is appropriate. The robot arm engages an end portion of an edge band K, after the replacement of the respective module unit 40 . 41 . 42 imminent, and puts this edge band in an actuator 21 one.

In addition, the feed section 20 be formed shortened according to a further modification, and only the magazine unit 25 include. According to this modification are the actuators 21 at an inlet section of the magazine unit 25 provided, and the feed guides 22 can be omitted. In this way the depth of the feed section becomes 20 shortened.

Although three modular units are shown in the preferred embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2253440 A2 [0002]
• EP 1862949 A2 [0003, 0012]

Claims (17)

Device for feeding a coating material from a modular unit, which modular unit ( 40 - 42 ) for storing and providing preferably roll-shaped or winding-shaped coating material units, in particular edge bands (K) for attachment to a narrow side of plate-shaped workpieces (W), to a coating device, comprising: a feed section ( 20 ) for receiving and transporting the coating material, a magazine unit ( 25 ) for guiding the from the feeding section ( 20 ) provided coating material, at least one movable module unit ( 40 - 42 ), a coupling section ( 30 ) for coupling the movable module unit ( 40 - 42 ) at the feeding section ( 20 ), which module unit ( 40 - 42 ) Receives coating material units. Device according to Claim 1, in which the at least one modular unit ( 40 - 42 ) is adapted to receive cassettes, each cassette receives a coating material unit (K). Device according to Claim 2, in which the at least one modular unit ( 40 - 42 ) has a screening to accommodate cassettes of certain width. Device according to Claim 2, in which the at least one modular unit ( 40 - 42 ) has a variable slot to accommodate cassettes of different widths. Device according to Claim 1, in which the at least one modular unit ( 40 - 42 ) has a rotatable axis or enveloping circle to receive the coating material units. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the feed section in the region of the coupling section ( 30 ) at least one deflection roller ( 35 ) to a coating material of a coating material unit from an operating side of the Ankoppelabschnitts ( 30 ) to the feeding section ( 20 ) respectively. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling region for coupling differently dimensioned modular units ( 40 - 42 ) is set up. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the module unit receives the roll-shaped or winding-like coating material units such that the axis of rotation of the coating material units is aligned horizontally. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the coupling section ( 30 ) has an electrical interface to the module unit ( 40 - 42 ) electrically couple with the feed section. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the coupling section ( 30 ) has a connection area around the module unit ( 40 - 42 ) to couple hydraulically, pneumatically or mechanically to the feed section. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the feeding section ( 20 ) a plurality of feed guides ( 22 ), wherein (a) at an inlet region of each feed guide ( 22 ) a separately controllable actuator ( 21 ), or (b) a deliverable actuator ( 21 ) is provided. Device according to Claim 11, in which the at least one actuator ( 21 ) comprises a roller-shaped propellant, or the at least one actuator ( 21 ) is designed as a linear actuator. Device according to one of claims 11-12, wherein at the feed section ( 20 ) a loading unit, in particular a robot arm with a gripping unit, for receiving an end of the module in the ( 40 - 42 ) is provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the coupling section ( 30 ) a frame ( 31 ), which encloses the coupled module unit in sections. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the coupling section ( 30 ) a snap-in recording ( 37 ), for example an opening, which with a latching element ( 40a ) of a modular unit ( 40 - 42 ) can be engaged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the module unit ( 40 - 42 ) is provided with rollers to the module unit ( 40 - 42 ) to be able to move. Coating device for applying a coating material to a preferably plate-shaped workpiece (W), with a device according to one of the preceding claims.

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